South Dakota 2028 Rankings: New Additions

Instead of beginning the rankings content with a stock-risers article, I wanted to first mention the new additions. Because there are some significant additions to the rankings that will be impact and valuable prospects going forward. I will also give a mention to some of those that moved from the watchlist and into the rankings. We have 12 new names in this article, starting with the first 12 prospects I had more confidence in writing freely about.    After catching Dakota Valley's Freshman team, it's pretty clear Dakota Valley has a VERY bright upcoming future, with a DEEP talent pool to work with. So, Dakota Valley has the potential to go on another run, like it had in recent years. A big reason for that might be DeGeorgia. I've only seen him twice online, as to why he's not ranked yet, but I think he can be one of the top 2028 guards in the state.     I like Boonstra more than anyone. Not yet ranked, Boonstra is an under-the-radar prospect that doesn't have elite frame or measureables, but he is a consistent and relentless playmaker of all sorts. More to come on him, but he is most likely way too overlooked right now in the state of South Dakota. He's a 2-guard by nature, but he can play with the ball in his hands and be highly effective with it as a scorer and getting to the cup for finishes off the window.     Blayze is an extremely lengthy guard that handled the point for Lennox's Freshman squad. He would have to clean up his handle and ability to handle tough ball pressure to be considered a college point guard prospect. A really good athlete that could easily jump and reach over everyone for offensive rebounds. Solid shooting skills and touch and could blossom with a tighter handle on the ball.     Wachal is a very good addition to the rankings. He has the frame and build of an upperclassmen. I'm very unfamiliar with Sioux Falls Jefferson football, but he looks like he could be a defensive end and/or tight end. He has a big frame that isn't soft, either. A bulky and solid frame made for contact. What sets him apart on the basketball court is his ability to shoot the three-ball as a floor-stretching 4-man. He will get up and power down a defensive rebound, push the ball up via outlet pass, and look for a trailing three.     I viewed Tatum in the Bell Fourche vs Lemmon game. He looks like a kid that could grow in height because he has longer limbs and a lean, athletic frame. He can handle the point and play and move without the ball. He's looking for his three when he's not in possession of the ball, not shy to continue to be a shooter if a couple don't fall. Martin is set to prove himself with [program_tooltip program_id='2222672' first='Sanford' last='Sports Academy'] this offseason.     Ben started for Aberdeen Central's Freshman team and provided their best option for size in the paint. He's high energy, hard-working, and very active on the court. Judging by how he played, he's a team guy that makes the right play and is more focused on winning and helping his team in many facets. He gets busy and active on the boards, searching for the ball in the air to go attack and grab for possession.     Dirk is very physically advanced and maturely built for a 2028. The kid looks like a muscular and strong linebacker that could bring the pain all game long. On the basketball court for Lemmon, he was a starting JV wing/forward hybrid. He's tough-nosed and mobile in all directions. Jaxon is a prospect that I could mention many positive things about, because he plays so hard, and added his jumping and fluid and intense moving ability, good things happen a lot for him.     Ozuna, I actually haven't seen film on him. He's added based on sources close with the Spearfish basketball program. By sources, he's considered the best 2028 guard in the Spearfish program. He's one I'll be looking out for soon and often.     I haven't seen Kade and Sioux Falls Lutheran recently, but Kade stood out as a young guard that started for the varsity team and showed like he belonged and played with ease and confidence. Sioux Falls Lutheran is a developing program, and they will be counting on Matthies to lead them in the right direction. Solid skills as a ball-handler and a solid and consistent shot-maker.     Berg was a varsity bench piece for Baltic this past season. He's pretty small, but I thought he dealt with varsity size and strength just fine. He moves quick on the court, can handle the rock, and he's a top-notch shooter. His shooting and ability to handle and not turn the ball over, may be key reasons as to why he was on the varsity court. Took care of the ball well.     Stratton handled point guard duties for the Mitchell's Freshman team. In the action I saw, he showed he could get deep in the lane off the drive going to his dominant right hand. He's physical as he's driving and he's physical when he approaches the hoop for his finish. He would also kick out to the perimeter quickly and keep the ball moving if he was stopped by a help defender before reaching deep into the paint. His ability to attack was an advantage for the Freshman boys out of Mitchell.     Boston is a starter on Jefferson's Freshman team, and he is a transition nightmare from the couple games I saw. He's looking to push in transition with the ball and also run up-court to catch a pass and take it straight at the hoop in a straight line, not worrying about contact, whatsoever. He was putting a lot of pressure on the defense to hustle back to get into position. He moves without the ball so well, making hard, quick, decisive cuts.

Instead of beginning the rankings content with a stock-risers article, I wanted to first mention the new additions. Because there are some significant additions to the rankings that will be impact and valuable prospects going forward. I will also give a mention to some of those that moved from the watchlist and into the rankings. We have 12 new names in this article, starting with the first 12 prospects I had more confidence in writing freely about.